Re-opening of Wells Rec play area

PIC: The palace structure after it was destroyed by fire last November.

The Wells Recreation Ground play area re-opened today following the installation of the replacement play structure and further enhancements to the site.

The main palace structure of the new play area was destroyed in an arson attack on Bonfire Night last November, just a week after it was opened. Since this attack, the residents of Mendip have pulled together and shown their generosity by raising almost £13,000 to get the play area open again.

Whilst the palace structure replacement was covered by insurance, this fundraising, alongside contributions from the Wells Recreation Ground Trust and Mendip District Council, has resulted in an enhanced play area for the city.

The range of additional enhancements for the play area include;

Resurfacing the whole of the play area

Introducing additional seating, another picnic table and making the new play structure more open by installing 'windows'

Installing a new infra-red CCTV camera to monitor the play area 24/7

Donna Nolan, Deputy Chief Executive for Mendip District Council said: "Last year's arson attack was devastating for everyone who had worked so hard to make the play area such a success, but the local community pulled together and showed incredible community spirit and generosity.

"These new enhancements will complement the replacement play structure and ensure that the play area once again becomes a popular destination for young people from across the area.

"I would like to thank local people for the support, patience and understanding they have shown while we have been working to get the play area fully up and running."